Domestic violence in emergency medicine patients

omestic violence is a not a new problem, prior to 1824 a husband was legally allowed to batter his wife, provided the stick he used was smaller in diameter than his thumb, thus giving rise to the expression ''rule of thumb.'' 1 The UK Department of Health estimates that women on average experience 35 episodes of domestic violence before seeking help. 2 Many of these women will present to emergency departments as a consequence of this abuse. This review is intended to inform clinicians who will care for these patients. The American College of Emergency Physicians acknowledges the importance of domestic violence and advocates the detection of domestic violence, and BAEM has published guidelines on management of domestic violence. 3 4 More recently, the British government has launched a number of initiatives to help victims of domestic violence. 2 . . . . . . .